There’s a lot of potential for the new HDMI standard. Sure, there’s a bit of oddness – like creating cables specifically for 1080i displays – but HDMI 1.4 can do a lot that 1.3 just couldn’t. With HDMI 1.4 you can send an Ethernet signal along with the video and audio, or send a 4K video signal. Onkyo’s new receivers are all HDMI 1.4 compatible, but they focus on the other functions of the standard.

To start with, connections are getting simpler. Paul Wasek of Onkyo notes that the ability to send audio in both the upstream and downstream means there’s no need for a separate S/PDIF connection. “We are very supportive of the new standard because of the added capabilities and the simplification of system connections,” he says.

The other function that Onkyo will be supporting is probably a bit more obvious. Like many new products, Onkyo’s 2010 lineup of A/V receivers will all offer support for 3D programming through HDMI 1.4. Onkyo’s new receivers are set to start shipping this Spring.